Helloween ‘March of Time – The Best of 40 Years’ Box Set Review
This set celebrates four decades of power metal excellence from a band that helped pioneer the genre. Below, I’ll walk you through both the 3-CD set and the 5-LP deluxe vinyl box, share some notable highlights, and reflect on why these collections are worth your attention.
A Brief History of Helloween
Formed in Hamburg, Germany in 1984, Helloween quickly became one of the driving forces behind the power metal movement. Their early albums, including Walls of Jericho (1985) and the two-part masterpiece Keeper of the Seven Keys (1987–1988), cemented their status as innovators. Through lineup changes, label transitions, and evolving musical tastes, Helloween consistently delivered high-octane, melodic metal that influenced countless bands around the world.
Over the years, they’ve released more than 16 albums, with each new phase of the band introducing fresh ideas while still retaining that signature Helloween sound: soaring vocals, galloping rhythms, and epic storytelling.
The 3-CD Set
The 3-CD edition of March of Time – The Best of 40 Years unfolds in a four-panel digipak, adorned with pictures of the band. Each of the three discs runs about 76 minutes, packed with iconic tracks spanning every era of Helloween’s career. A small booklet is tucked into one of the pockets, featuring:
A brief introduction reflecting on 40 years of Helloween
Collages of album artwork
A track listing and credits
It’s straightforward but effective if you’re simply looking for a compact, career-spanning overview. For newcomers who enjoy bands like Iron Maiden, Queensrÿche, or DragonForce, this 3-CD version provides the perfect way to explore Helloween’s range without missing their most significant material.
The 5-LP Deluxe Vinyl Box Set
This set comes in a hinged box (rather than a simple lift-off lid) and includes:
Five red vinyl LPs: Each LP is housed in a simple sleeve with the track titles on one side and artwork on the other.
A jigsaw puzzle: An unexpected extra—fun for collectors who appreciate band-themed memorabilia.
An art print: The same design as the small booklet in the CD set, but in a larger card format.
Tiny printed essay: Almost identical to the text in the CD booklet, serving as a short reflection on the band’s 40-year journey.
While the vinyl presentation looks fantastic (especially on red wax), some collectors may feel the set is missing a more expansive booklet or detailed band history. Given that it’s marketed as a grand 40-year celebration, many fans might have loved to see more photos, press clippings, or liner notes discussing each era and album. Even so, from a strictly musical standpoint, the vinyl records sound great and include the same comprehensive selection of tracks found on the CDs.
Key Moments and Tracks
Helloween’s legacy can be traced through iconic songs that helped define power metal:
“Walls of Jericho” (1985): Classic early Helloween raw energy.
“Eagle Fly Free,” “Halloween,” and “Future World” (from Keeper of the Seven Keys I & II): Quintessential anthems featuring soaring vocals from then-18-year-old Michael Kiske.
“I Want Out,” “Dr. Stein” (Keeper of the Seven Keys Part II): Fan-favorite singles that brought Helloween greater global attention.
“Kids of the Century” (from Pink Bubbles Go Ape): Demonstrated the band’s willingness to experiment.
“Soul Survivor,” “Perfect Gentleman” (from Master of the Rings): A triumphant return-to-form with new lineup energy.
Later Albums: Tracks from The Dark Ride, 7 Sinners, Straight Out of Hell, and the self-titled Helloween (2021) record continue to show the band’s adaptability and enduring passion.
Musically, March of Time – The Best of 40 Years is everything a new or longtime fan could hope for: a comprehensive journey through Helloween’s stellar catalog. If you’re brand-new to the band, the 3-CD set offers a generous and budget-friendly deep dive into the defining tracks. Vinyl aficionados and die-hard fans will enjoy the collectible nature of the 5-LP box, complete with red vinyl, a puzzle, and an art print—though a more detailed booklet would have made this an even more fitting tribute to Helloween’s legendary run.
Regardless of which edition you choose, this release stands as a superb way to honor Helloween’s legacy. They remain a cornerstone of power metal—and this set showcases exactly why they’ve stood the test of time over four decades.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
